Labour Party leader and 2027 Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has downplayed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s growing political support, insisting that governors do not determine election outcomes in Nigeria.
Speaking amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obi maintained that the power to elect leaders rests with ordinary Nigerians rather than political elites or state governors.
Peter Obi Says Voters, Not Governors, Will Decide 2027 Election
In an interview with NoireTV, the former Anambra State governor argued that the backing of governors for President Bola Tinubu would not guarantee victory in the next presidential election.
According to Obi, his performance in the 2023 presidential election demonstrated that political success depends more on public support than endorsements from elected officials.
“It doesn’t matter whether 36 governors are with the president. I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states,” Obi said.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate further claimed that he would have secured victories in additional states if not for what he described as electoral irregularities during the 2023 polls.
Obi Repeats Claims of Election Rigging in 2023 Presidential Poll
Obi renewed allegations that he was denied victory in two states during the 2023 presidential election, despite court rulings that upheld the outcome of the poll.
“Even after they have stolen two from me, I won 12 states. By making Abuja a state, we now have 37 states, because that is what the judgment of the Supreme Court showed,” he stated.
He also referenced the electoral performance of other leading candidates, including Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, while emphasizing that no single political party overwhelmingly dominated the election.
“Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso won one state, Kano. APC, PDP, and Labour all won 12 states each. And in it, I lost two by the process of rigging. So, I would have had 14,” Obi added.
2027 Election Should Focus on Economy, Poverty and Governance
Shifting attention away from political alliances and endorsements, Obi said the key issue in the 2027 elections should be improving the lives of Nigerians struggling with economic hardship.
He argued that voters are more concerned about food security, education, healthcare, and employment than political endorsements from governors or influential politicians.
“So it doesn’t matter whether they took all the governors. What is important, and what this election is going to be all about, is how to make Nigeria work for the poor,” he said.
“A Nigeria where tribe, ethnicity, and religion will not be the issue. The issue will be about the welfare of the people, the education of the people, and the health of the people. That’s the Nigeria we want. Nigerians are hungry today. Nigerians are looking for food.”
Political Realignments Intensify Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Obi’s comments come at a time when opposition politicians and political parties are exploring possible alliances aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Several prominent political figures have been involved in consultations and coalition talks as discussions continue over the formation of a united opposition front capable of challenging President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Political analysts believe the coming months will be crucial as parties reposition themselves ahead of what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive elections.
Debate Over 2023 Election Outcome Resurfaces
The remarks are also likely to reignite discussions surrounding the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, which Obi and many of his supporters have consistently challenged.
Despite allegations of irregularities and electoral manipulation raised by opposition candidates, the election results were ultimately upheld by Nigerian courts, including the Supreme Court, which affirmed President Tinubu’s victory.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, Obi’s latest comments underscore the growing political battle over voter influence, governance performance, and the future direction of Nigeria’s democracy.
